NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
50 reportsClear category filter60,000 miles · Feb 11, 2014
SteeringSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL EXPERIENCED SEVERE VIBRATION AFTER THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A ROAD DIP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFECT WOULD RECUR WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND ANYTIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL EXPERIENCED SEVERE VIBRATION AFTER THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A ROAD DIP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFECT WOULD RECUR WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND ANYTIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN OVER A DIP OR ROAD WINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10563867
81,000 miles · Aug 1, 2013
SteeringSuspension
OUR TRUCK EXPERIENCED A SEVERE, VIOLENT WOBBLE THAT STARTED AFTER TRAVELING OVER A UNEVEN SPOT ON THE ROAD. WE FEARED FOR OUR LIVES AS THIS OCCURRED WHILE PASSING ANOTHER TRUCK ON A BRIDGE WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC BEHIND US. THE SHAKING AND WOBBLE CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS, AND DID NOT STOP UNTIL THE TRUCK SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 40…
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OUR TRUCK EXPERIENCED A SEVERE, VIOLENT WOBBLE THAT STARTED AFTER TRAVELING OVER A UNEVEN SPOT ON THE ROAD. WE FEARED FOR OUR LIVES AS THIS OCCURRED WHILE PASSING ANOTHER TRUCK ON A BRIDGE WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC BEHIND US. THE SHAKING AND WOBBLE CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 20 SECONDS, AND DID NOT STOP UNTIL THE TRUCK SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 40 MILES AN HOUR. ALL OUR TIRES HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED AND INSTALLED AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP. I MAINTAIN TIRE PRESSURES AS INDICATED ON DOOR JAM. 75 LB ON FRONT AND 60 LB ON REAR TIRES. THERE ARE NO AFTERMARKET MODIFICATIONS ON OUR TRUCK. I CONSIDER THIS ISSUE VERY DANGEROUS, AND WONDER HOW MANY FOLKS MAY HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED AS A RESULT OF THEIR TRUCK SUDDENLY BECOMING UNCONTROLLABLE, AS OURS DID. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10533024
75,000 miles · May 3, 2013
SteeringSuspension
BOUGHT TRUCK USED WITH APPROXIMATELY 35,000 MILES. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD FROM 45 TO 55 THE FRONT SUSPENSION GETS A TERRIBLE SHIMMY. WHEN THIS OCCURS, ITS HARD TO HANDLE THE TRUCK. THE FRONT END SHAKES VIOLANTLY. A DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE I AM NORMALLY PULLING A RACE CAR WITH THIS TRUCK. TRUCK IS NOT A DAILY DRIVER. IT'S AV…
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BOUGHT TRUCK USED WITH APPROXIMATELY 35,000 MILES. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD FROM 45 TO 55 THE FRONT SUSPENSION GETS A TERRIBLE SHIMMY. WHEN THIS OCCURS, ITS HARD TO HANDLE THE TRUCK. THE FRONT END SHAKES VIOLANTLY. A DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE I AM NORMALLY PULLING A RACE CAR WITH THIS TRUCK. TRUCK IS NOT A DAILY DRIVER. IT'S AVERAGE USE IS 4 TO 6 TIMES PER MONTH. IN ORDER TO GET THE SHIMMY TO STOP, SOMETIMES I CAN SLOW DOWN BELOW 40 MPH. OTHERWISE, I HAVE TO STOP. IT MAY OR MAY NOT GO AWAY. THE STRANGE THING IS THAT IT DOES NOT ALWAYS DO THIS. THE TRUCK HAS NEW SHOCKS, NEW TIRES, BALANCED, AND ALIGNED. TIRES ARE APPROVED FOR THE TRUCK. THE SHIMMY HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT AND IS PREMATURLY WEARING THE TIRES. TIRES ARE INFLATED PROPERLY FOR USE OF THE VEHICLE. PROBLEM HAS RECENTLY STARTED WITHIN THE LAST 6 TO 7 MONTHS. MILEAGE IS CURRENTLY 78,490. THEREFORE SHIMMY STARTED AT APPROXIMATELY 75, 000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510586
67,800 miles · Jan 5, 2013
SteeringSuspension
UPON DRIVING AT HIGHWAY POSTED SPEED, I ENCOUNTERED A BUMP IN THE ROAD WHILE IN A TURN. UPON HITTING THE BUMP, IT SENT MY FRONT-END INTO A VIOLENT SPEED-WOBBLE WHICH ALMOST PUT MY FAMILY AND I INTO THE RETAINING WALL. BEING THAT I'M A FORMER STATE POLICE OFFICER, I MAY HAVE "SAVED" US ONLY BY BEING HIGHLY TRAINED WITHIN DRIVING …
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UPON DRIVING AT HIGHWAY POSTED SPEED, I ENCOUNTERED A BUMP IN THE ROAD WHILE IN A TURN. UPON HITTING THE BUMP, IT SENT MY FRONT-END INTO A VIOLENT SPEED-WOBBLE WHICH ALMOST PUT MY FAMILY AND I INTO THE RETAINING WALL. BEING THAT I'M A FORMER STATE POLICE OFFICER, I MAY HAVE "SAVED" US ONLY BY BEING HIGHLY TRAINED WITHIN DRIVING AND VEHICLE CONTROL. I HAVE READ FORUMS WITH MANY STATING THAT THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FLAW, SOME WITH NOT VERY GOD ENDINGS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10491526
2,500 miles · Jan 9, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringSuspension
THIS VEHICLE SINCE NEW HAS HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTS WITH A SEVERE UNCONTROLLABLE SHIMMY IN FRONT END AND STEERING WHEEL.I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. FORD HAS SENT A FEW NOTIFICATIONS STATING THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM,BUT THAT IT IS JUST CAUSED FROM IMPROPER …
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THIS VEHICLE SINCE NEW HAS HAD NUMEROUS INCIDENTS WITH A SEVERE UNCONTROLLABLE SHIMMY IN FRONT END AND STEERING WHEEL.I HAVE HAD IT TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. FORD HAS SENT A FEW NOTIFICATIONS STATING THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM,BUT THAT IT IS JUST CAUSED FROM IMPROPER INFLATION.I HAVE SET THE TIRES TO MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDED PSI WEEKLY,AND DOESN'T MAKE A BIT OF DIFFERENCE.FORD IS CLOSING THEIR EYES ON THIS ONE, AND IT IS GOING TO COST LIVES!!!.WHEN THIS OCCURS YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE IS THE ENGINE IS JUNK. MY VEHICLE HAS 43000 MILES CURRENTLY,AND HAS HAD THE MOTOR TAKEN OUT OF IT TWICE ALREADY FOR REPAIRS!!!,AND HAS BEEN TO DEALER AT LEAST 6 OR 7 TIMES.I OWN A SMALL TREE CARE COMPANY AND REALLY CANT AFFORD A $45000 MISTAKE TO A MULTI BILLION DOLLAR COMPANY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10443216
60,000 miles · Jan 3, 2012
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE ABNORMALLY WHEN DRIVING OVER ROAD BUMPS AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. TIRE PRESSURE ON EACH TIRE WAS CHECKED, BUT TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE ABNORMALLY WHEN DRIVING OVER ROAD BUMPS AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MAY BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. TIRE PRESSURE ON EACH TIRE WAS CHECKED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10442234
15,000 miles · Dec 14, 2011
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY ROAD BUMP. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE FAILURE COULD LIKELY BE CAUSED BY IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION AND THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD INSPECT THE TIRE PRESSURE. THE TIRE PRESSURE W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY ROAD BUMP. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE FAILURE COULD LIKELY BE CAUSED BY IMPROPER TIRE INFLATION AND THAT THE CONTACT SHOULD INSPECT THE TIRE PRESSURE. THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS ADJUSTED BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000. PROBLEMS HAPPENS REGULARLY. PROBLEM BECOMES MORE FREQUENT AND SEVER WHEN PULLING A TRAILER. UPDATED 1/20/2012 *BF UPDATED 01/27/12
NHTSA ODI #10439931
57,000 miles · Oct 19, 2011
SteeringSuspension
2006 F-350 LARIAT SUPER DUTY- IN MARCH WHILE DRIVING ON I-70 I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT 65MPH AND THE FRONT END AND STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND I WAS IMMEDIATELY THROWN INTO THE PASSING LANE. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO SUMMIT FORD IN SILVERTHORNE, CO WHERE THEY CALLED MY DESCRIPTION THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND THEY REPLACED THE TRA…
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2006 F-350 LARIAT SUPER DUTY- IN MARCH WHILE DRIVING ON I-70 I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT 65MPH AND THE FRONT END AND STEERING WHEEL SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND I WAS IMMEDIATELY THROWN INTO THE PASSING LANE. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO SUMMIT FORD IN SILVERTHORNE, CO WHERE THEY CALLED MY DESCRIPTION THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND THEY REPLACED THE TRACK BAR, BALL JOINT AND STEERING DAMPENER. I FELT FORTUNATE THAT NO TRAFFIC WAS NEAR ME AND I SURVIVED THE UNCONTROLLABLE EVENT! NOW WITH THE $600.00 "REPAIR" EXPENSE I LEFT THE SERVICE CENTER SATISFIED THAT I WOULD BE SAFE ON THE ROAD. TWO WEEKS AGO WHILE ON A TRIP, THE SAME "DEATH WOBBLE" HAPPENED AGAIN AND I WAS OUT OF CONTROL AND IN THE OTHER LANE AGAIN, THANKFULLY NO TRAFFIC WAS BESIDE ME OR ONCOMING WHICH WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. SO NOW I HAVE LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN THE SAFETY OF MY TRUCK AND DROVE CONSERVATIVELY TO GET HOME AVOIDING ALL BUMPS AND SLOWING DRAMATICALLY WHEN APPROACHING ANY IMPERFECT ROAD SURFACES. EVEN WITH MY NEW CAUTIOUS APPROACH TO DRIVING THE "DEATH WOBBLE" HAPPENED AGAIN AT ONLY 50MPH. I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND YOU-TUBE VIDEOS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AS WELL AS COMPLAINTS ON THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S WEBSITE. I HAVE FOUND 2 DOCUMENTS ISSUED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 04-26-1, AND A LETTER DATED APRIL 2009 (LITERATURE PROGRAM 09L02) ADDRESSED TO [XXX] REGARDING "SHIMMY, A SEVERE VIBRATION AND OSCILLATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL...........". I AM RUNNING THE TRUCK AT THE LABEL SPECIFIED TIRE PRESSURE AND THERE ARE NO SUSPENSION MODIFICATIONS . I AM CONSIDERING REPLACING THE F-350 WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT I CAN BE ASSURED OF NOT HAVING THIS PROBLEM. MY QUESTION TO FORD IS, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO NOW? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10430876
126,000 miles · Jul 14, 2011
SteeringSuspension
2006 FORD F350 EXPERIENCE EXTREMELY VIOLENT SHAKING WHEN DRIVING 45 PLUS MPH AND HIT ANY TYPE BUMP. SHAKING IS SO VIOLENT STEERING IS NOT CAPABLE AND BRAKING ONLY MAKES SHAKING WORSE. I'VE CONTACTED DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY REPLACED A BUSHING BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. THEY HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS BASICALLY OUT O…
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2006 FORD F350 EXPERIENCE EXTREMELY VIOLENT SHAKING WHEN DRIVING 45 PLUS MPH AND HIT ANY TYPE BUMP. SHAKING IS SO VIOLENT STEERING IS NOT CAPABLE AND BRAKING ONLY MAKES SHAKING WORSE. I'VE CONTACTED DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY REPLACED A BUSHING BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. THEY HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE IS BASICALLY OUT OF CONTROL WHEN THIS HAPPENS. LAST DATE OF OCCURRENCE IS JULY 14,2011 AND THIS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED SINCE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER. TRUCK HAS NO LIFT AND IS STOCK MODEL. PLEASE HELP! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10412372
75,000 miles · Apr 4, 2011
SteeringSuspension
FORD F350 DEATH SHAKE HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES TRUCK HITS BUMP OR POT HOLE REGARDLESS OF SPEED (BUT SHAKE IS WORSE OVER 40 MPH)AND STARTS A VERY DANGEROUS SHAKE THAT GETS WORSE UNTIL THE WHOLE TRUCK IS OUT OF CONTROL. BRAKING HARD TO STOP WILL STOP IT BUT ACCIDENT SEEMS TO BE AROUND THE CORNER. I HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER AND TIRE…
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FORD F350 DEATH SHAKE HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES TRUCK HITS BUMP OR POT HOLE REGARDLESS OF SPEED (BUT SHAKE IS WORSE OVER 40 MPH)AND STARTS A VERY DANGEROUS SHAKE THAT GETS WORSE UNTIL THE WHOLE TRUCK IS OUT OF CONTROL. BRAKING HARD TO STOP WILL STOP IT BUT ACCIDENT SEEMS TO BE AROUND THE CORNER. I HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER AND TIRE SHOP THEY SAY NOTHING WRONG. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10394247
Official recalls
1Jul 13, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA08007 · Violent Front End Oscillation
Opened Mar 14, 2008 · Closed Mar 31, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
PE07057 · Violent Front End Oscillation
Opened Nov 15, 2007 · Closed Mar 14, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
Suspension:front
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
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